Last year’s event included a men’s long jump competition, but having just a single runway this year for the pole vault should create even more viewing space for spectators, which last year numbered an estimated 3,000.

“We’ll be more centrally located on the bridge since we’re only doing pole vault,” said Paul Doyle, director of the American Track League, which is conducting the event. “We really couldn’t have fit more people last year – it was pretty deep on both sides.”

Doyle’s group has conducted nine track events to date, and he ranks the Liberty Bridge Jump Off as No. 1.

“Anytime you get the community behind an event and have some local flair, it makes it that much better,” Doyle said. “When you bring an event to the people it’s a much better situation.”

Doyle said his group has teamed with the non-profit U.S. Pole Vaulters Association to help develop the sport. To that end, the organization will offer stick jumping instruction for kids at the event.